Amidst all the hoopla surrounding Zenyatta’s retirement and the speculation regarding the identity of her first mate, last year’s Horse of the Year has been all but forgotten. Yet Rachel Alexandra also occupies a unique place in racing history, and her broodmare career should be one of some interest.

In many parts of the world horse pastures contain a fair percentage of fescue, a hardy perennial grass that thrives despite heavy hoof traffic, intense grazing, and adverse growing conditions. Unfortunately, there’s a drawback: 75% of all fescue is infected with the endophyte Acremonium coenophialum.

The Unwanted Horse Coalition’s (UHC) Media Roundup newsletter has been educating its readers through articles and events relating to unwanted horses since November 2009.

While there are numerous causes for weight loss, a methodical evaluation of these horses is more important than the lengthy list of possible diagnoses.

I was wondering about corneal ulcers in horses. I have a 30-year-old horse that has lost eyesight in one eye from age, and I am treating him now for a corneal ulcer. I read your article on eye problems (November 2010 issue) and was wondering what medications are usually used for treating this problem. I know I am using (antibiotics) neomycin and polymyxin B and bacitracin, zinc ointment, and

I believe that, in their hearts, every true horseman would like to see the perceived need for equine slaughter eliminated, even those who support it as the only practical way to deal with “unwanted” horses in America. Now, a unique opportunity to do just this has presented itself thanks to an unparalleled expansion of the country’s equine rescue and sanctuary resources to save horses displaced due

The neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, is that special place in a veterinary clinic where premature, critical, and newborn foals receive intensive, round-the-clock care. The NICU handles everything from breathing problems to heart conditions to disease and more. If a foal’s in trouble, it’s the place to be.

While there are numerous causes for weight loss, a methodical evaluation of these horses is more important than the lengthy list of possible diagnoses.

What options exist to treat behavioral vices? In my case, a 5-year-old mare that I acquired off the track this spring is a cribber–something I was not aware of before I got her home. I have tried a few options so far, with no positive result.

The navicular bone, a small, boat-shaped bone nestled deep in the protective womb of the hoof, only measures approximately 6 cm wide and 2 cm deep (top to bottom) in an average 1,200-pound horse, so how can such a small bone be such a nuisance? Part of the problem is that, despite its cushy abode and small stature, the navicular bone has a big job.

Teams of veterinarians and farriers from around the country gathered at the fifth International Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot to discuss the most cutting-edge information available for the fight to conquer laminitis. This devastating hoof disease is caused by an inflammation of the horse’s laminae–interlocking leaflike tissues attaching the hoof to the coffin bone.

The neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, is that special place in a veterinary clinic where premature, critical, and newborn foals receive intensive, round-the-clock care. The NICU handles everything from breathing problems to heart conditions to disease and more. If a foal’s in trouble, it’s the place to be.

During the colder months, many horse owners go on a quest for wheat bran, probably so that they can make their four-legged friends a bran mash–a warm treat for horses on frosty winter days.

With 2010 officially in the books, TheHorse.com decided to take a look back at a year that was filled with developments in equine medicine, breakthroughs in horse health, and, of course, a few chuckles along the way. With a new year just beginning, five of our fabulous freelance writers took a few minutes to recall their favorite news events of 2010.

The 21st annual Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) select stallion season auction will be held Jan. 8 at the Keeneland Entertainment Center in Lexington, Ky. The cocktail party-style event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and drinks followed by the auction at 8.